Best Book Club Books Nyt (2026): 5 Picks Compared

Finding the next book the whole group will finish is the hard part of running a book club. This best book club books nyt roundup compares five picks on author, page count, edition and publication date, using only what each listing publishes.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Freedom by Franzen	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	The Last Story of Mina Lee by Kim	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Hungered by Rizkalla	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Hello Beautiful by Napolitano	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Tell Me Everything by Strout	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Freedom by Franzen

Jonathan Franzen·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 608-page novel by Jonathan Franzen in a Reprint edition from Picador Paper.

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Pros

• 608 pages stated
• Reprint edition from Picador Paper
• Published October 12, 2021

Cons

• No reading age is stated
• No warranty applies to books
• Longest book on this list at 608 pages

2

The Last Story of Mina Lee by Kim

Nancy Jooyoun Kim·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A Reese's Book Club pick by Nancy Jooyoun Kim, published September 1, 2020.

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Pros

• Reese's Book Club pick stated
• Published September 1, 2020
• Debut novel format

Cons

• No page count is stated
• No reading age is stated
• No warranty applies to books

3

Hungered by Rizkalla

Amanda Rizkalla·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An Oprah's Book Club pick by Amanda Rizkalla, 336 pages from Henry Holt and Co.

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Pros

• Oprah's Book Club pick stated
• 336 pages stated
• Published October 6, 2026

Cons

• No reading age is stated
• No warranty applies to books
• Debut novel, no series to follow

4

Hello Beautiful by Napolitano

Ann Napolitano·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A family novel about sisters and the young man who joins their household, for readers who like character-driven drama.

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Pros

• A single 416-page paperback with a November 19, 2024 publication date stated
• Family drama that starts in college, suited to readers in their 20s
• The description says it pays homage to Little Women

Cons

• The description mentions tragedy and a family rift, so preview mature themes
• The story spans generations, which can feel slow for readers who want a fast plot
• No reading age or grade level is stated, so judge the level from the story

5

Tell Me Everything by Strout

Elizabeth Strout·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

In a Maine town, a lawyer and a novelist form a friendship while a murder case unfolds.

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Pros

• The listing names it an Oprah's Book Club pick, a publisher-stated label
• Bob Burgess, a town lawyer, is a central male character alongside Lucy Barton
• Published September 10, 2024, with 352 pages in one volume

Cons

• The description includes a murder investigation, a mature theme to check
• Book 5 of 5 on the listing, with earlier characters named in the description
• The description calls it a novel of moods, so fast-plot groups may find it slow

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More picks to compare

• The Most Fun We Ever Had by LombardoReese's Book Club pick, 640 pages, Vintage, published April 6, 2021.Check on Amazon
• The Paradox Club by Lovett432-page mystery, Hyperion Avenue, published September 1, 2026.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 22 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, and value. None of the five picks lists a reading age or grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best book club books nyt

Match the length to the club’s pace

Freedom runs 608 pages and Hungered 336 pages, so the group that meets monthly can plan around the longer read. The reused titles list no page count, so confirm the edition before assigning. For shorter options, see our short book club books.

Use the club picks as a shortcut

The Last Story of Mina Lee carries a Reese’s Book Club designation, while Hungered and Tell Me Everything carry Oprah’s Book Club designations. Those designations signal the book was built for group discussion. See our best new book club books for fresher options.

Before you buy

• Check the edition: Freedom is listed as a Reprint edition from Picador Paper.
• Confirm the page count: Freedom lists 608 pages and Hungered 336 pages; the reused titles list none.
• Match the pick to the club: Reese’s and Oprah’s designations are stated on the listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a book club start with this list?

Start with the page counts: Freedom runs 608 pages and Hungered 336 pages. The other three list no page count.

Which picks are Reese’s or Oprah’s Book Club picks?

The Last Story of Mina Lee is a Reese’s Book Club pick. Hungered and Tell Me Everything are Oprah’s Book Club picks.

Which edition of Freedom is listed?

The Reprint edition from Picador Paper, published October 12, 2021.

Still deciding? Our top pickFreedom by Franzen

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Related lists

See every book club books list and all fiction books lists.

More lists: recent book club books, books to discuss, short book club books, last 5 years.